Manuel V. Abreu

of New Bedford, passed away Friday, February 24, 2023, surrounded by his beloved family. He was the husband of the late Francelina (Castelo) Abreu

Born in Guimarães, Portugal, the son of Rosa (Vaz) Faria Pinheiro and the late Armindo da Costa Abreu, he immigrated to the United States in 1977 and settled in New Bedford.

Mr. Abreu was a Chef for many years, starting his career at the Parker House in Boston, owning and operating Belleville Gourmet/Manny’s Café, Abreu’s Restaurant and most recently was the chef at Barcello’s Restaurant in Tiverton. A generous man, Manuel donated his time and love of cooking to many local organizations throughout the greater New Bedford area. He was an avid FC Porto fan.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his three daughters, Helen V. Birkett and her husband Jason of Winter Park, FL, Kelly Sampaio and her husband James of New Bedford and Krystin Abreu and her companion John Westgate of New Bedford; eight grandchildren Christian, Victoria, Alivia and Ariella Birkett, James Sampaio, Briannah Bernardo, Andraya and Ayva Sampaio; six siblings Gloria, Jose, Maria Virginia, Eva, Maria Luisa and Joaquim Vaz da Costa Abreu, many nieces and nephews, and his favorite food critics and companions, Bailey and Duncan.

Manuel was also the brother of the late Isaura Vaz da Costa Abreu.

His Funeral will be held on Friday, March 3, 2023, at 8AM from the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford followed by his Mass of Christian Burial at 9AM in Immaculate Conception Church 136 Earle St., New Bedford. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, New Bedford. Visiting hours will be Thursday from 5-7PM in the funeral home.